News / St Werburghs
‘Eyesore’ building to finally be demolished
After sitting empty for almost 25 years, an infamous Bristol building is finally going to be torn down.
The Kernow Building in St Werburgh’s has been viewed as a long-standing safety concern, having fallen into disrepair over two decades ago.
In a letter to local residents, Bristol City Council have now confirmed that the derelict building on Mina Road will be demolished.
The property on Mina Road has been neglected for years
John Bodey, a housing development surveyor for the council, wrote: “This is an urgent measure for public safety purposes and needs to begin in the coming weeks.
“Bristol City Council are aware that this is short notice and the works will create an inconvenience for local residents, but owing to the ongoing deterioration of the Kernow Building it needs to act urgently in the public interest.”
Members of the local community, who have been continuously calling for the building to be torn down and repurposed, say this is a “major milestone”.
Speaking to Bristol24/7, a spokesperson from local campaign group Kernow Action Group said: “It’s encouraging, but it didn’t come out of the blue – it’s due to concerted pressure by the local community, and also by the council.”
The group worked with Green party councillor Tim Wye to draw attention to the safety risks posed by the structure, and say he “deserves his credit” in this breakthrough.
The demolition work will be carried out by council contractors, with all costs being charged to the property’s owner, Mushtaq Ahmed.
Landlord Ahmed is linked to several neglected properties in Bristol
The Kernow Action Group said there is “a lot of resentment” towards Ahmed, who has previously been fined thousands of pounds for the negligence of his properties around Bristol.
The group’s spokesperson told Bristol24/7: “We would like the council to enforce new ownership if at all possible.
“We have NO (sic) confidence in present owner Ahmed’s ability or commitment to managing this project.
“He has a poor reputation in property maintenance across Bristol.”
The Kernow Action Group say that demolition is “just the beginning”, stating that “whatever this space becomes, it should reflect the voices and needs of our community”.
The group are now petitioning for the council to take “decisive action”, namely through a compulsive purchase order, to guarantee a “meaningful redevelopment” of the space.
All photos: Martin Booth
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